Why can't matter go through other matter?

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In summary, neutrons are considered ionising radiation, meaning they can bump into electrons and knock them away from their nucleus. However, neutrons do not have a charge and therefore do not directly affect the electrons. The reason that matter cannot go through other matter is due to the Pauli exclusion principle, which states that electrons cannot occupy the same space at the same time. This principle is relevant at the final time when two electrons coincide, but not at the initial time when they are localized in different regions.
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k9b4
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I know that the electrons around atoms repel the other electrons around atoms and the electrons never touch. But I believe that neutrons are considered ionising radiation correct? That means that they bump into electrons and knock them away from its nucleus. How does a neutron affect the electrons to bump them off? Do neutrons have charge? Why can't matter go through other matter?
 
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k9b4 said:
I know that the electrons around atoms repel the other electrons around atoms and the electrons never touch.

Read: http://arxiv.org/pdf/1408.1990.pdf

"one can envision experiments where the Pauli exclusion principle
is relevant at the final time (when the two electrons coincide in the same spatial region) but
not at the initial one (when the two electrons are localized at different regions)"
 

1. Why can't matter go through other matter?

According to the laws of physics, matter cannot go through other matter because of the forces that hold atoms and molecules together. These forces, such as electromagnetic forces, are strong enough to prevent objects from passing through each other.

2. Can matter pass through empty space?

No, matter cannot pass through empty space. While space may appear empty, it is actually filled with particles and fields that make up the fabric of the universe. These particles and fields interact with matter and prevent it from simply passing through empty space.

3. Is there any known way to make matter go through other matter?

Currently, there is no known way to make matter go through other matter without causing significant damage or destruction to both objects. The forces that hold matter together are fundamental to the structure and stability of objects, making it extremely difficult to bypass them.

4. Why do some particles, like photons, seem to pass through matter?

Particles like photons, which make up light, can appear to pass through matter because they do not have a mass and do not interact with the forces that hold matter together. However, even these particles can be affected by matter through processes like absorption and reflection.

5. How does the structure of matter prevent it from going through other matter?

The structure of matter, specifically the arrangement of atoms and molecules, is what gives objects their physical properties and determines how they interact with each other. The forces that hold these particles together create a barrier that prevents matter from passing through other matter.

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